Mennonite
Central
Committee

The Democratic Republic of Congo on the pathway towards democracy

David Blough
December 2005

While Congolese are gearing up for the first elections in several decades, hopes and anxiety are high in Kinshasa and across the Democratic Republic of Congo. The success of the electoral process is a fundamental condition for Congolese to turn the page of instability and work on building sustainable peace and development.

In 2002, most political parties and rebel factions agreed on establishing a transitional government format: Joseph Kabila has been holding the presidency, but has also been sharing power with 4 vice-presidents from different parties. Transitional institutions were created, including the Independent Electoral Committee, designed to organize voter registration and the overall electoral process.

The voter registration planned and implemented by the Independent Electoral Committee and the United Nations mission in the DRC (MONUC) has been a logistical challenge. The country is the size of Western Europe and lacks basic infrastructures such as roads, communication, etc. Transportation, already a challenge in the capital, becomes an expedition in many parts of the country. The registration of over 23 million Congolese, 75% of potential voters, can thus be considered a true success.

After fleeing the War in the East a few years ago, an NGO colleague named Batabia Bushoki returned to visit his community. According to him, "the electoral process and the role of MONUC have brought some positive changes in the East". While rebel groups are still active, notably in the Kivu and Ituri regions, the overall security situation has indeed improved somewhat. The population, as in most parts of the country, hopes that elections will bring peace and stability.

Congolese voted for the last time in the early 1960s. Today, more than the establishment of a new political system, democracy is simply a way to break the cycle of violence that has plagued the DRC for so many years. The elections fit into the broader context of stabilizing the country. The demobilization and reintegration of rebel fighters, the end of Uganda and Rwanda's interference in Congolese territory are also goals to achieve.

The transition remains fragile indeed. In addition to humanitarian and security issues throughout the country, the political conditions are far from ideal. While the population is clearly yearning for change, the political elite appears to be satisfied with the status quo. The transitional system has given some power, or at least some interesting positions, to a large number of political actors who would not benefit from such comfortable situations if it wasn't for the 2002 agreement. Most politicians in power have gained their influence through the war, and will loose their clout with the elections. The necessary electoral law hasn't been voted as politicians are dragging there feet.

Moreover, some analysts fear that the elections themselves might trigger localized outbreaks of violence. Because of the lack of a strong democratic tradition and a real political base, many parties will campaign along ethnic or regional fault lines. If the worst case scenario of general chaos is very unlikely, the specter of armed conflict hangs in the air.

It is clear that elections will not be a panacea. The post electoral period will be filled with challenges. Large amounts of funding are needed to meet humanitarian needs: 25% of the territory remains inaccessible and mortality rates are high in many and sometimes unexpected areas. Vast investments are also necessary in the development sector. Basic infrastructures and services are desperately needed, while public services such as health, education must be dramatically improved.

First things first though. Presently, it is the electoral process that should be the focus. The DRC government is contributing $40 million (US), or one-tenth of the total cost of the elections, estimated to be $432 million. The UN Mission in the DRC is providing $103 million in logistical support while donors are providing the rest. Some 9,300 polling stations will be set up across the country before the referendum on December 18th.

Despite the efforts made by Mennonite Central Committee with the Urgent Peace Project , civic education and observer programs remain a weak element of the electoral process. Churches are making efforts to coordinate the numerous initiatives, but often lack funding and educational resources.
In the context of the Congo today, the Churches bear large responsibilities and could play an important role in helping elections to happen peacefully. The Churches are the only institutions that fully reach all levels of society, from the political leaders to the villages in the East. The Catholic Church, the Mennonite Church, along with the federation of Protestant Churches, are recognized as positive and powerful forces for change in the country. For the sake of the Congolese people, let's hope the Churches rise above political and ethnic divisions. For Christ's sake, may the Churches be vessels of reconciliation, innovation and hope.